Robert "Bob" LaBonte (born c. 1950) is an American curler, a 1972 World Men's silver medallist[1] and a 1972 United States men's curling champion. He currently lives in Minot, North Dakota and is employed as a stock broker.[2]
| Robert LaBonte | |
|---|---|
| ♂ | |
| Team | |
| Curling club | Grafton CC, Grafton, ND |
Curling career  | |
| Member Association |  United States |
| World Championship appearances | 1 (1972) |
Medal record | |
He is best known for the "Curse of LaBonte" - one of the most famous curses in curling history. It was caused by an incident at the finals against Canada at the 1972 world men's curling championship, the 1972 Air Canada Silver Broom in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.[3] After the last shot of the 10th end came to rest, it appeared as though they had won, and LaBonte leaped in the air to celebrate, but upon his descent he burned (touched) a Canadian stone. The stone was replaced and was found to be closer, giving Canada the point and forcing the game to an extra end, where Canada scored again, winning the match. Canada did not win another World Championship until 1980, and were said to have been "cursed".
Personal life edit
LaBonte attended the University of North Dakota.[4]
Teams edit
| Season | Skip | Third | Second | Lead | Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971–72 | Robert LaBonte | Frank Aasand | John Aasand | Ray Morgan | USMCC 1972  WCC 1972 
|
References edit
- ^ Robert LaBonte on the World Curling database
- ^ "Broom at the Top Baby, it's cold outside, so North Dakotans like to curl up with a good CURLING tournament".
- ^ The Curling News - Labonte Curse on YouTube
- ^ "'72 Grafton curling team's lost victory still shapes the lives of its members". Grand Forks Herald. April 1, 2008.
External links edit
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